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There needs to be a discussion which
is broader than merely a discussion of risk and safety. Ministers and policy makers need to consider
fundamental concerns over transparency and accountability in the food system. The
agricultural minister spoke about the 'clear action of the government' as if
the government can intervene on behalf of the public. However, the public has to become more involved
in decision-making and equal partner with government in making decisions.

Transparency and Accountability

In terms of transparency, the public
needs access to parts of the food chain which remain hidden such as abattoirs. The public also needs access to research laboratories
where animal experimentation has been undertaken. The food industry needs to allow such access
and involvement. It needs to allow this admittance
so that it can deal with 'urban food consumers' and their disconnection from
how food is produced. The food system then
needs to be accountable to the public.
Perhaps, a citizen's jury, representing public interests, could decide
which parts of the food system are allowed to operate and how they operate. The public would then be setting standards
for the industry. This would include setting
standards for research laboratories. It
is very difficult to consider how the public should inform and help determine
policy in practice. However, it is clear
that the 'clear action of the
government' has been insufficient at dealing with public concerns.